Minority Women's Health

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Mental Health

Minority Women's Health > American Indians/Alaska Natives > Health Topics > Mental Health

There is limited data on mental health problems in American Indian/Alaska Native women. But one study of American Indian/Alaska Native women by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that they were over three times as likely as white women to have had serious mental distress in the last month.

Suicide is a major problem for young American Indians/Alaska Natives. American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest rates of suicide in the 15 to 24 age group.

Mental health disorders are real and serious illnesses that can be treated. If you think you have a mental illness, talk to your doctor or a trusted family member or friend who can help you find treatment. You are not alone. If you or someone you know feels suicidal, call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or the number of a suicide crisis center (you can find the number in your phone book) to talk about it.

Publications

1.   American Indian Health — This Web site is an information portal to information about the health of native peoples of the United States. The topics include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and environmental health.

   http://americanindianhealth.nlm.nih.gov/

2.   Mental Health Services Locator — This Internet site will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp

3.     Suicide: Facts at a Glance — This publication provides statistics on suicide in the United States among the elderly and the young. It also provides information on which gender and age groups are vulnerable to suicide in the United States.

   http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/Suicide/SuicideDataSheet.pdf

Organizations

1.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
2.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
3.   Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center), SAMHSA, HHS
4. American Indian/Alaska Native National Resource Center for Substance Abuse
5. National Alliance on Mental Illness
6. National Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.